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# Vorien Tectus

#### by Mark D F Shirley

The copyright of this article remains with the original author. Articles may be copied or distributed freely for personal non-profit use, provided that the author is properly credited.

#### Vorien Tectus, follower of Jerbiton

### Background

Vorien is one of the most influential people in the Provençal Tribunal. He is a member of the ruling council of the domus provincia, Doissetep. These seven magi, called pontifices, make decisions in their closed sessions that affect the entire tribunal, and some believe, the entire Order of Hermes.

Pontifex Vorien hails from much more humble beginnings, however. He was born to a poor family over eighty years ago. Despite his Gentle gift, he was spotted by a Criamon magus at the age of 12, and taken to the Covenant of Holtzenburg in the Tribunal of the Rhine to begin his training as a magus. He was always an inquisitive child of startling intelligence, and showed a great aptitude for solving the puzzles set him by his master. He became quite an expert at ferreting out secrets, and his master encouraged this behaviour, recognising in his apprentice the potential for an excellent seeker of hidden wisdom. The boy's curiosity proved to be the end of his hitherto idyllic apprenticeship, however. Eight years into his apprenticeship, the young Vorien was nosing around Holtzenburg with his usual blatant disregard for the privacy of others. His master had already been chastised at Tribunal for these activities of his apprentice, but it failed to curb the boy's inquisitiveness. Vorien discovered some forbidden books about the summoning of demons within the sanctum of Petrus Tigurinus, one of the senior magi of Holtzenburg. He realised that a member of the Order had no business possessing such evil tomes, and resolved to tell his master. However, before he had a chance, the Criamon suddenly disappeared. The council assumed he had entered Final Twilight, and Vorien was assigned a new master from within the covenant - Petrus Tigurinus, follower of Jerbiton. Vorien was in no doubt that Petrus knew that he'd seen the books, and soon realised that Petrus was responsible for the demise of his former master.

Vorien now began a duel apprenticeship. He learnt both the Hermetic Arts and the spells of the Dark Magus. He soon overcame his revulsion for the demonic magic, and began to realise its potential. Demons, after all, knew secrets beyond the scope of mortal ken. Petrus instilled in him a feeling of worth that he never developed from his former master, and the previously shy boy became a strong and confident man. He became very much like a demon himself - a possessor of secret knowledge that could never be trusted.

Vorien's apprenticeship ended at 27, and he remained at Holtzenburg. He took on a number of apprentices but only one survived his harsh teaching methods - Imanitos Mendax (his character can be found here, on the Malinbois web site). Soon after finishing Imanitos's training, Vorien was offered a place at Doissetep. Positions in this covenant were extremely hard to come by, normally involving a contest. Even the apprentices of Doissetep magi were not guaranteed a place at the largest covenant in the Order. Vorien was offered a position, with no trial required, and to this day he believes that one of the other magi there is a fellow practitioner of nigromancy, and assisted his entrance to the covenant; though he has yet to discover the identity of his benefactor, something which totally frustrates him. Within a year, Vorien was elevated to the position of pontifex - an unheard of occurrence for such a position to be granted so soon. Again, Vorien suspects his mysterious benefactor.

Doissetep proved to have a secret library, though it was not well-enough hidden for Vorien's talents. This library contained a wealth of knowledge about the Dark Arts, things that Petrus failed to teach him, and his powers have grown even stronger since this discovery. His recent triumph was to manage the summoning of Tyritescus the Count of Betrayal, a powerful demon lord who claims Barcelona as his personal fief (see Tribunals of Hermes: Iberia for more details). He has entered a pact with Tyritescus, and although he has yet to sign a Pact of Ashes, he senses that this is inevitable if he wishes to gain yet more power. To signify this pact with his Dark Master, Vorien has taken on a familiar, a type of minor demon called a feud crow. Vorien has a whole host of other demons at his beck and call, though he uses them rarely to avoid discovery. He is perhaps the most powerful Dark Magus in this part of Europe, his success attributable to his obsession for secrecy. On the one occasion that he was questioned by the quaesitores, he allowed a demon to possess is body and answer questions for him. The lies of demons are beyond Hermetic magic to detect, and this somewhat risky ploy paid off.

Vorien's Hermetic powers are just as formidable. His aptitude for discovering hidden things is a common thread running through much of his magic, but his sadistic streak has lead to a number of other magics. He is currently training an apprentice, Allandro, in both facets of his magic, and it looks like he might make it as far as his Gauntlet - unlike so many other apprentices in the past. There is a side effect of any spell that he casts in that those about him are overcome by an urge to tell Vorien their secrets. This can be resisted on an Int roll of 9+.

Vorien also has considerable influence in the Order. At Doissetep, he is the Pontifex of the Tower of Saturn (each of the pontifices has a tower named after one of the heavenly bodies), and has been named Keeper of the Bridge of Whispers (There are seven bridges that cross the Chasm in Doissetep that separates the Library and the seven Towers from therest of the covenant). This honorary position makes him the leader of one of Doissetep's concilia, in this case, the Council of Secrets. This council is charged with collecting information from all over the Order to further the schemes of Doissetep, and as such, Vorien is perhaps the most well-informed magus in the Order, excepting, perhaps, the primus of House Mercere. He has a veritable army of personal servants, grogs and specialists, all dressed in his livery of red and black, and bearing his sign, the brazen dagger.

### Appearance

Despite being in his ninth decade, Vorien still appears to be middle-aged. This is a result of both his longevity potion and the work of demons under his control. He has dark hair which he keeps short, and a neatly trimmed goatee beard. His eyes are like shards of ice, a glittering blue that is so pale that it is nearly transparent - these eyes make people shiver when they are brought to bear. He has a proud demeanour, often coming across as somewhat haughty when in thought; however, he is comfortable with all races and social classes, and many feel that they can trust him with their biggest secrets. In some ways this is true - he is loathe to share any information with anyone. He nearly always wears his magical robes of scarlet and black (see below for details). Since taking Sabaoth as a Familiar, Vorien's voice has changed, losing much of its previous inflection, thus it is difficult to distinguish plain-speaking from sarcasm. He has also developed a dislike for cats, just like his familiar. This is unfortunate, as Doissetep abounds with cats, many of them the progeny of former and current familiars. They have quickly learnt to avoid the Tower of Saturn.

Notes: Vorien is NOT a balanced character. He is suitable for being the villain for a saga - his schemes are far reaching and very convoluted - do not forget to take into account his massive intellect. For examples of his personality, see some of the stories written by Andrew Smith and myself on the Malinbois web site (click here). Andy played Vorien's apprentice, Imanitos, and went to see him on several separate occasions.

Name: Vorien Tectus

Parens: Petrus Tigurinus

House: Jerbiton

Age: 83 (apparent 52)

Size: 0

#### Characteristics

Int | +5 | prodigious memory | Str | +0 |  | Prs | +3 | handsome | Dex | -1 | weak hands
Per | +2 | intuitive | Sta | +1 | swarthy | Com | +1 | charming | Qik | -2 | languid

#### Virtues

Incredible Intelligence +4
Side Effect +2
Magical Affinity with Secrets +1
Piercing Gaze +2
Second Sight +1
Strong Willed +1
Deft Art (Mentem) +1
Busybody +1
Gentle Gift +1

#### Flaws

Susceptibility to Divine Power -4
Obsessed with secrets -1
Sense of Doom -3
Dark Secret -1
Enemies -3

#### Personality Traits

Brave +4
Secretive +5
Sadistic +3
Scheming +3
Malicious +2 (from Familial bond)

#### Reputations

Confident (Doissetep) 3
Dangerous to Cross (Provençal Tribunal) 2
Powerful (Order of Hermes) 1

#### Confidence

5

#### Twilight

Twilight Points: 7
Effects of Twilight: Vorien has developed large red patches on his body, particularly his hands. When he performs any ritual spells, these patches increase in size and number, fading again after a few days.

#### Abilities

Speak Latin (precision) 6
Speak German (Franconian) 4
Speak French (Norman) 3
Speak Italian (Sicilian) 3
Speak English (courtly speech) 2
Scribe Latin (details) 3
Order of Hermes Lore (Provençal Tribunal) 9
Magic Theory (ritual spells) 7
Magical Affinity with Secrets (discovering) 5
Parma magica (Mentem) 7
Certamen (Mentem) 4
Finesse (Imaginem) 5
Penetration (Intellego) 5
Occult Lore (demons) 10
Black Tongue (commands) 5
Second Sight (demons) 4
Guile (lying to authorities) 7
Leadership (intimidation) 4
Intrigue (amongst magi) 4
Diplomacy (mediation) 4
Enigmatic Wisdom (solutions) 4
Charm (women) 5
Lectio (magic theory) 3
Folk Ken (gaining the trust of others) 4
Artes Liberales (rhetoric) 4
Concentration (Mentem spells) 2
Doissetep Lore (schemes) 5
Quiet Talk (haste) 4 - this is Doissetep's secret hand-language
Philosophiae (metaphysics) 3

#### Hermetic Arts

Creo | 17 | Animal | 8 | Ignem | 15
Intellego | 20 | Aquam | 5 | Imaginem | 9
Muto | 10 | Auram | 5 | Mentem | 23
Perdo | 14 | Corpus | 17 | Terram | 5
Rego | 25 | Herbam | 5 | Vim | 22

#### Nigromantic Arts

Familiarities:

Astasian 5 - shards of demons who are used for messages (see The Maleficium)
Dantalion 3 - the Revealer of Secrets, a demon who collects information on people
Feud Crow 5 - minor demons in the shape of crows who spread dissent (see Deadly Legacy)
Frequentil 3 - a demon of Envy
Grillilk 4 - a goat-demon who is famed for his prowess with the spear
Hell-Steed 4 - a demonic horse
Hesst 3 - a demon of Spies who works for Tyritescus (see ToH: Iberia)
Hurant 2 - an Assessor of Despair (see The Maleficium)
Lerajie 3 - ice-demons of misery (see The Maleficium)
Liananthra 3 - a succubus
Polotis 2 - a demon of Guilt
Ralicedge 4 - a demon of Knowledge who can teach what he knows. He knows the names of 19 demons, and is useful as a source of Familiarity
Tyritescus 4 - a Count of hell and the Demon of Betrayal (see ToH: Iberia)

#### Wizard's Sigil

Targets seem to be momentarily cast in shadows

### Grimoire

Spells in CAPITALS are mastered.

Whispers Through the Black Gate (InCo/Me15)
The Inexorable Search (InCo20)
Eye of the Sage (InCo/Im30)
The Three League Stride (ReCo30) - variant of the Seven League Stride
Eyes of the Soul (InMe15)
POSING THE SILENT QUESTION (InMe20)
Subtle Shift of the Heart (MuMe10)
Humility of the Vanquished Knight (MuMe20)
Loss of But a Moment's Memory (PeMe10)
CONFESSION OF THE PENITENT MONK (ReMe15) - this is Vorien's favourite spell
AURA OF RIGHTFUL AUTHORITY (ReMe20)
BEGUILE THE NORMAL MIND (ReMe20)
Mastering the Stolid Mundane (ReMe30) - this variant has a Duration of Moon
Enslave the Mortal Mind (ReMe40)
Ear for Distant Voice (InIm20)
Invisibility of the Standing Wizard (PeIm15)
WIZARD'S SIDESTEP (ReIm10)

### New Spells

SHOW OF PROPER RESPECT (ReMe20); R: Eye, D: Conc, T: Ind. The target of this spell immediately falls to his knees and grovels before the caster of the spell.

Vorien has a number of spells which mimic normal Hermetic spells but their effects are created through the agency of earth-bound demons. These minor spirits (eidolons) are summoned by the spells and use their psychomachia or other powers on the target. Note that this is very hard to detect, given the deceptive powers of demons, but it also means that most spells to cancel these magics through traditional means will fail.

Treat these spells as if they were normal Hermetic magics, but they all have a Vim requisite.

Invitation of the Deadly Sin (CrMe/Vi 15)
Betraying Whispers (InMe/Vi 25)
Taint of the Wizard's Mind (MuMe/Vi 10)
Weight of a Thousand Hells (CrMe/Vi 25)
Poisoning the Will (PeMe/Vi 50) This evil spell afflicts an entire area with demonic attention.

HELLISH PAINS OF THE SINNER (PeCo/Vi 15); R: Eye, D: Conc, T: Ind. This spell summons a number of demons who attack the target. This causes excruciating pain, which seems to be caused by the gaze of the caster. No action is possible

Words of the Waking Dream (CrMe/Vi15). This spell summons a demon which whispers into the dreams of sleeping people. Anything said will be remembered the next day.

Guilt of the Hidden Secret (Cr/InMe/Vi 20). The target of this spell is plagued by constant feelings of guilt over some real or imagined sin. These guilty feelings are imposed by minor spiritual demons.

Stoke the Fires of Hatred (CrMe/Vi 20). The target of this spell is suddenly overcome with a passionate hatred for any specified object or person, due to the effects of psychomachia applied by a demon of Anger

Vorien also has a second set of Infernal spells, that are involved with his diabolic practises. These spells use the rules detailed in the Nigromancy section of this web site (see here). If you prefer to use the rules detailed in the Maleficium, convert each of the Summon spells into Contact spells. Under these rules, Vorien also has a Summon score of 22, a Bind score of 24 and a Dismiss score of 20, but his Art scores should be reduced somewhat to account for Vorien having to study these demonic Arts as well as hermetic Arts. His Hierarchy has been calculated at 18! (he has been a Dark Magus for over 70 years)

Drawing the Dark Circle (ReVi 45); R: Circle, D: Ring, T: Ind. This spell creates a circle of warding against demons, but it also forms a focus for all summoning spells. The strength of the ward is the spell's level -10 + Familiarity + stress die. Any demon wishing to attack the caster must overcome the level of the circle with a stress die + current Might.

Summon Hell's Insect (CrVi 5, Ritual); R: Near, D: Spec, T: Ind. This spell summons an Astasian. See article on Nigromancy for details of the spell.

SUMMON THE BIRD OF STRIFE (CrVi 10, Ritual); R: Near, D: Spec, T: Ind. This spell summons a Feud Crow. See article on Nigromancy for details of the spell.

Summon Lilith's Daughter (CrVi 25, Ritual); R: Near, D: Spec, T: Ind. This spell summons a succubus. See article on Nigromancy for details of the spell.

Summon the Hornéd Warrior (CrVi 30, Ritual); R: Near, D: Spec, T: Ind. This spell summons a goat-demon. See article on Nigromancy for details of the spell.

Summon the Demon's Steed (CrVi 30, Ritual); R: Near, D: Spec, T: Ind. This spell summons a Hell-Steed. See article on Nigromancy for details of the spell.

Summon the Hissing Spy (CrVi 35, Ritual); R: Near, D: Spec, T: Ind. This spell summons Hesst. See article on Nigromancy for details of the spell.

Summon the Keeper of Secrets (CrVi 40, Ritual); R: Near, D: Spec, T: Ind. This spell summons Dantelion. See article on Nigromancy for details of the spell.

Summon The Scribe of the Ledger of Souls (CrVi 40, Ritual); R: Near, D: Spec, T: Ind. This spell summons Raciledge. See article on Nigromancy for details of the spell.

Summon the Count of Betrayal (CrVi 50, Ritual); R: Near, D: Spec, T: Ind. This spell summons Tyritescus. See article on Nigromancy for details of the spell.

Bridling Satan's Minions (ReVi 25); R: Eye, D: Spec, T: Ind. This spell allows a Dark Magus to attempt to control a demon. See the article on Nigromancy for details

### Sabaoth, Vorien's Familiar

Sabaoth is a Feud Crow (see Deadly Legacy), a type of minor demon who delight in spreading discord amongst mankind. It appears as a large raven, but its secondary flight feathers are the colour of dried blood. Sabaoth's eyes are the same chilling blue colour as those of its masters. It speaks in a clear voice - very un-birdlike, but without inflection, so it is difficult to tell when whether it is being sarcastic or not. Since becoming Vorien's familiar, Sabaoth has developed the habit of shielding himself with his wings when threatened, a gesture reminiscent of Vorien pulling his cloak around himself. He has also became very cryptic in his speech, whereas he used to be very plain-spoken. Finally, he has become increasingly more secretive, refusing to share his knowledge with others - even Vorien - for fear that he might empower his enemies.

Infernal Might: 17

Size: -3

Int | +4 |  | Str | -3 |  | Prs | n/a |  | Dex | +3 |
Per | +5 |  | Sta | +1 |  | Com | n/a |  | Qik | +3 |

#### Personality Traits

Malicious +3
Cruel +3
Secretive +1 (from Familial bond)

#### Virtues and Flaws

Sense Holiness and Unholiness +1
Hex +2
Keen Vision (+0) - this is a result of being in bird-form
Tainted with Evil -1
Cursed (may only regain Might through eating the eyes of the dead) -2

#### Abilities

Athletics (flight) 7
Sense holiness and Unholiness (pious people) 5
Hex (misfortune) 5
Awareness (from a distance) 5
Stealth (in flight) 3
Intrigue (magi) 4

#### Bond Scores

Gold: +1
Silver: +3
Bronze: +0
Dark: +2 (The Mediaeval Bestiary gives details of this diabolic cord)

#### Bond Qualties

Attunement of non-Hermetic powers +20
Mental Communication +10 (Sabaoth receives the Secretive personality trait, Vorien becomes Malicious)
Shared Protection +5
Unlimited Bond +10
Secondary Power (Vorien gains +4 Mentem, Sabaoth receives the power Seed of Betrayal)
Shared Speech +10
Independence -5
Sympathetic Wounds -10

#### Other Details

Psychomachia: Trusting +3

Powers:

Piercing Eye: See Deadly Legacy for more details

Dream Vision: See Deadly Legacy for more details

Divine the Secret (InMe30, 3 points): Sabaoth can determine one person's most intimate secret with this power. Note that it is unwilling to share this knowledge, even with Vorien

Words of the Waking Dream (CrMe15, 2 points). See Vorien's spell, detailed above, for details. It was this power of his familiar that gave him the inspiration for that spell.

Seed of Betrayal (MuMe15, 2 points). This power, granted by the familial bond, allows Sabaoth make someone suspicious about the motives and actions of another person. The feud crow uses this power to start feuds, but is careful not to use it against magi - at least, not ones who's parmae are active!

### Magic Items

Vorien's Talisman is a richly embroidered robe of expensive cut, a deep black in colour, though becoming more smoky in hue towards the shoulders. Embroidered flames lick up from the hem, studded with chips of ruby and topaz which glitter in the faintest of lights. The clasp is in the shape of a dagger, wrought from silver and studded with blood-red carnelians.

Form and Effect bonuses: +5 Alter the wearer's image

+4 Transform wearer

+3 Betrayal, Assassination and Poison

Effects:

Disguise of the Wizard's Cloak (MuCo 23) - can change appearance 6 times per day
Strength as of Steel (MuHe/Te 18) - gives a Protection bonus of +17, continuous
Suppleness of Cloth (MuHe 13) - ensures that the protected cloth still acts like cloth, continuos
Aura of Total Insignificance (ReMe 30) - Vorien can appear completely unremarkable, so that no one will register his presence; unlimited usage
Perceiving the Eyes of Knives (InMe 20) - the wearer is made aware of anyone who has hostile thoughts towards him. This effect has a lowered penetration so that it will not pierce parmae, and thus break the Code Constant usage
The Hidden Mind (PeMe 45) - this spell hides the mind of the wearer, so it seems as if it is not there. Continuous usage
The Voice of Reason (MuMe 25) - as the spell, unlimited usage
Vision of Infernal Terrors (CrIm/Me 30) - as the spell, using Vorien's current penetration and usuable 12 times per day. Vorien puts up the hood of the cloak to activate this power

Vorien also has a number of minor magical items, including a flute made from the leg bone of a former apprentice, that allows him to use the spell "Strings of the Unwilling Marionette".

### Vorien's Court of Thralls

Vorien has a large number of demons under his control that still await his commands. This includes a large number of feud crows, Dantalion, Hesset, Grillilk and a hell-steed.